General Blue Jays Discussion Thread (2025)

[G-Snarls]

Man 

The Sportsnet crew including Davidi are really making it sound unlikely that Bo is ready for the ALDS 

:(

[Vancouverite]

7 hours ago, Masterbather said:

His last four postseason starts: 

14.1 IP, 18H, 7ER, 6HR, 11K, 5BB, two wild pitches and a hit batter.

Then of course there's his most recent struggles as his ongoing struggles with the long ball.

Father time is undefeated, you're romanticizing him instead of dealing with reality.

that's a better ERA than Kevin Gausman's 4.91 career post-season ERA, or his 6.70'ish career post-season ERA as a Blue Jay

Our #1 starter Gausman also just threw a stinker in a must-win game.

I'm going to ride and die with Scherzer, and the Blue Jays post-season success will be dictated by Scherzer.

My 2 cents

 

[Spanky__99]

6 hours ago, Governator said:

I wasn't able the join the party here as I was driving back from the states all day but what a way to the end the season. Can't wait now for the Yankees/Sox series, I really hope the Sox rough up the Yankees a bit even if they lose the series I'm fine with it.

As for us... Gausman, Bieber and Yesavage. I'd rather see Lauer/BP throw over Scherzer or Bassit.  Either way, whoever it is and whatever the circumstance, I just hope it's Schneider making all of the calls and not Atkins playing puppeteer again.

Ross wrote the book on pulling John Schneider's strings, this won't change.

[Spanky__99]

1 hour ago, G-Snarls said:

Man 

The Sportsnet crew including Davidi are really making it sound unlikely that Bo is ready for the ALDS 

:(

G-man, where'd you see this?

I see, on Blair and Barker, nvmd.

[G-Snarls]

30 minutes ago, Spanky__99 said:

G-man, where'd you see this?

I see, on Blair and Barker, nvmd.

Yeah they had him on the show today and Blair and Davidi both mentioned it 

[G-Snarls]

He has an article out now too:

Factors to consider when forming Blue Jays' ALDS roster

Ben Nicholson-Smith@bnicholsonsmith

Shi Davidi@shidavidi

 

https://www.sportsnet.ca/mlb/article/factors-to-consider-when-forming-blue-jays-alds-roster/

Quote:

Factors to consider: Given that Bo Bichette is yet to start running and is still only hitting off a tee and taking flips, it’s a stretch to expect him back for Saturday. If he’s not on the roster, Kiner-Falefa has a clear path to a spot as a backup infielder who offers late-game defence, and even if Bichette were to play in the ALDS, the Blue Jays would likely need a deep bench behind him to ensure they can pinch run as needed. Under those circumstances, Kiner-Falefa has a very good shot at being on this roster, being used as he has been in recent days, coming in during the late innings for Barger and playing second, with Clement sliding over to third in an air-tight infield.

[Jonn]

Bo's got 6 days. Hopefully it's enough. Even if he has to DH we take that everyday.

[G-Snarls]

11 minutes ago, Jonn said:

Bo's got 6 days. Hopefully it's enough. Even if he has to DH we take that everyday.

Means Springer RF every day and means Santander is a pinch hitter cause Springer has to be in the lineup every day no matter what 

But it also gives you Bo's bat instead of IKF's

[SeranthonySantander]

5 hours ago, thatoneguy said:

Rays had the bases loaded in a 5-4 game and Fluharty K'd their best all-around hitter in Aranda.

We were saying the same thing about the white sox when they threw away the game in the 9th last week.

[Spanky__99]

1 hour ago, G-Snarls said:

Means Springer RF every day and means Santander is a pinch hitter cause Springer has to be in the lineup every day no matter what 

But it also gives you Bo's bat instead of IKF's

That's fine.

[G-Snarls]

1 hour ago, Spanky__99 said:

That's fine.

Yeah. I don't mind Springer in RF 2 days out of 3 thanks to off days.  Just can't have Springer and Santander both in the OF every day. 

[glory]

5 hours ago, Stangstag said:

I think its more likely they would push Bieber to game 3 for more rest.

If they don't want Bieber going on 4 days rest (they pushed him back a day last week when their lives were on the line), then I think you either start him in Game 1 so he can come back on 5 days rest for Game 5 or start him in Game 3 on the road. Yesavage in Game 2 at home might be advantageous to a young kid, and he can come out of the pen in a Game 5 if necessary in that scenario. 

I think they go with Bassitt in one of the games, but I'd probably lean opener for Game 4 with Lauer as the bulk guy. Worked very well against the Red Sox last time, and not sure I'd want Max to start at all or Bassitt to start a road game given their numbers this season. 

 

[Spanky__99]

10 hours ago, Jays24 said:

Im a believer in you put your best players right away and worry about future games as it comes, but the Jays do have a tendency to overthink (especially in the playoffs). 

Do you think there's a possibility the Jays line their pitching like to get Bassitt at home instead of the road?

Game 1: Bieber

Game 2: Bassitt/Lauer piggy back

Game 3: Gausman

Game 4: Yesavage

Game 5: Bieber

Uhmm....Why is Gausman not starting game 1?

[Spanky__99]

13 hours ago, Laika said:

The Blue Jays are a slave to projections. Rightly so. 

I wonder what would project better as the SP4 - Scherzer or the Varland+Lauer combo? 

Most likely Varland/Lauer.

[Jays24]

8 minutes ago, Spanky__99 said:

Uhmm....Why is Gausman not starting game 1?

I understand the margin is small but i like Bieber better than Gausman and prefer him to get 2 potential starts in a series.  Hes only had 1 bad start/inning as a Jay.  

With that said, the Jays will probably value Gausman and his tenure as a Jay over a rental who could be gone at years end.  

[Spanky__99]

12 minutes ago, Jays24 said:

I understand the margin is small but i like Bieber better than Gausman and prefer him to get 2 potential starts in a series.  Hes only had 1 bad start/inning as a Jay.  

With that said, the Jays will probably value Gausman and his tenure as a Jay over a rental who could be gone at years end.  

Gausman's 2nd half numbers are at an Ace level, especially through September, he's the clear #1. Also both of them can pitch twice in the series if they so choose to. Lots of offdays.

#	Name	Team	W	L	SV	G	GS	IP	K/9	BB/9	HR/9	BABIP	LOB%	GB%	HR/FB	vFA (pi)	ERA	xERA	FIP	xFIP	WAR
1	Kevin Gausman	TOR	2	1	0	6	6	39.1	9.15	1.60	0.23	.302	75.1%	44.3%	2.6%	95.0	2.52	3.11	1.97	3.13	1.6
2	Chris Bassitt	TOR	0	2	0	4	4	20.1	7.97	3.54	0.00	.300	70.4%	55.0%	0.0%	91.2	2.66	4.76	2.69	4.06	0.6
3	Trey Yesavage	TOR	1	0	0	3	3	14.0	10.29	4.50	0.00	.333	75.0%	53.8%	0.0%	94.8	3.21	4.14	2.35	3.23	0.4
4	Louis Varland	TOR	1	0	0	11	1	13.1	11.48	2.70	0.68	.310	71.4%	50.0%	10.0%	98.4	3.38	2.79	2.46	2.64	0.3
5	Mason Fluharty	TOR	1	0	0	4	0	5.1	13.50	0.00	0.00	.000	100.0%	62.5%	0.0%		0.00	1.53	0.70	1.28	0.3
6	Tommy Nance	TOR	1	0	0	12	0	10.2	6.75	1.69	0.00	.353	57.1%	47.1%	0.0%		4.22	6.00	2.20	3.50	0.3
7	Eric Lauer	TOR	1	0	0	7	0	12.0	8.25	0.75	0.75	.265	72.9%	33.3%	6.7%	92.1	3.00	3.66	2.64	3.48	0.2
8	Brendon Little	TOR	0	1	0	15	0	10.0	9.00	5.40	0.00	.286	78.6%	64.3%	0.0%		2.70	4.73	2.94	3.71	0.2
9	Seranthony Domínguez	TOR	1	0	0	11	0	10.1	9.58	2.61	0.87	.250	93.0%	56.0%	14.3%	97.5	1.74	2.03	3.14	2.92	0.1
10	Braydon Fisher	TOR	3	0	0	11	0	11.1	9.53	5.56	0.79	.174	94.3%	30.4%	8.3%	95.0	1.59	4.42	4.02	4.50	0.1
11	Justin Bruihl	TOR	0	0	0	1	0	1.0	18.00	0.00	0.00	.000	100.0%	100.0%	0.0%		0.00	0.08	-0.86	-0.86	0.1
12	Shane Bieber	TOR	3	1	0	5	5	29.0	6.83	2.17	1.86	.253	82.0%	48.3%	19.4%	92.6	4.03	5.24	5.03	3.99	0.1
13	Dillon Tate	TOR	0	0	0	1	0	1.0	9.00	0.00	0.00	.333	100.0%	0.0%	0.0%		0.00	5.25	1.14	2.68	0.0
14	Ryan Borucki	TOR	0	0	0	4	0	4.1	10.38	8.31	0.00	.300	100.0%	50.0%	0.0%		0.00	6.72	3.60	3.95	0.0
15	Yariel Rodríguez	TOR	1	1	0	10	0	10.2	8.44	5.06	0.84	.267	95.9%	33.3%	8.3%	94.9	1.69	4.70	4.45	4.96	0.0
16	Tyler Heineman	TOR	0	0	0	1	0	1.1	0.00	0.00	6.75	.750	25.9%	35.3%	33.3%	52.2	67.50	20.28	12.89	6.61	-0.1
17	Max Scherzer	TOR	0	3	0	5	5	19.0	9.95	3.32	2.84	.443	60.1%	29.9%	18.8%	93.5	9.95	7.88	6.14	4.63	-0.1
18	José Berríos	TOR	0	0	0	4	3	13.1	6.08	4.73	2.70	.279	51.7%	59.6%	26.7%	93.2	6.75	7.92	7.26	5.10	-0.3
19	Jeff Hoffman	TOR	1	2	4	13	0	12.1	6.57	5.84	2.19	.200	100.0%	50.0%	17.6%	95.2	2.92	4.39	7.03	5.99	-0.4

[Spanky__99]

10 hours ago, Orgfiller said:

Zero chance we aren't lining up Gausman and Bieber for games 1 and 2, in any order. The potential for both of them to pitch twice in a series (if necessary) is significantly more important than whatever home/road splits our SP3 and below have. I think Yesavage is also clearly trending as the game 3 starter, I think you can read a lot into how they scheduled the pitching matchups for the crucial division clinching series against the Rays. Gausman-Bieber-Yesavage are the top 3.

This 👆

[Masterbather]

41 minutes ago, Spanky__99 said:

Gausman's 2nd half numbers are at an Ace level, especially through September, he's the clear #1. Also both of them can pitch twice in the series if they so choose to. Lots of offdays.

#	Name	Team	W	L	SV	G	GS	IP	K/9	BB/9	HR/9	BABIP	LOB%	GB%	HR/FB	vFA (pi)	ERA	xERA	FIP	xFIP	WAR
1	Kevin Gausman	TOR	2	1	0	6	6	39.1	9.15	1.60	0.23	.302	75.1%	44.3%	2.6%	95.0	2.52	3.11	1.97	3.13	1.6
2	Chris Bassitt	TOR	0	2	0	4	4	20.1	7.97	3.54	0.00	.300	70.4%	55.0%	0.0%	91.2	2.66	4.76	2.69	4.06	0.6
3	Trey Yesavage	TOR	1	0	0	3	3	14.0	10.29	4.50	0.00	.333	75.0%	53.8%	0.0%	94.8	3.21	4.14	2.35	3.23	0.4
4	Louis Varland	TOR	1	0	0	11	1	13.1	11.48	2.70	0.68	.310	71.4%	50.0%	10.0%	98.4	3.38	2.79	2.46	2.64	0.3
5	Mason Fluharty	TOR	1	0	0	4	0	5.1	13.50	0.00	0.00	.000	100.0%	62.5%	0.0%		0.00	1.53	0.70	1.28	0.3
6	Tommy Nance	TOR	1	0	0	12	0	10.2	6.75	1.69	0.00	.353	57.1%	47.1%	0.0%		4.22	6.00	2.20	3.50	0.3
7	Eric Lauer	TOR	1	0	0	7	0	12.0	8.25	0.75	0.75	.265	72.9%	33.3%	6.7%	92.1	3.00	3.66	2.64	3.48	0.2
8	Brendon Little	TOR	0	1	0	15	0	10.0	9.00	5.40	0.00	.286	78.6%	64.3%	0.0%		2.70	4.73	2.94	3.71	0.2
9	Seranthony Domínguez	TOR	1	0	0	11	0	10.1	9.58	2.61	0.87	.250	93.0%	56.0%	14.3%	97.5	1.74	2.03	3.14	2.92	0.1
10	Braydon Fisher	TOR	3	0	0	11	0	11.1	9.53	5.56	0.79	.174	94.3%	30.4%	8.3%	95.0	1.59	4.42	4.02	4.50	0.1
11	Justin Bruihl	TOR	0	0	0	1	0	1.0	18.00	0.00	0.00	.000	100.0%	100.0%	0.0%		0.00	0.08	-0.86	-0.86	0.1
12	Shane Bieber	TOR	3	1	0	5	5	29.0	6.83	2.17	1.86	.253	82.0%	48.3%	19.4%	92.6	4.03	5.24	5.03	3.99	0.1
13	Dillon Tate	TOR	0	0	0	1	0	1.0	9.00	0.00	0.00	.333	100.0%	0.0%	0.0%		0.00	5.25	1.14	2.68	0.0
14	Ryan Borucki	TOR	0	0	0	4	0	4.1	10.38	8.31	0.00	.300	100.0%	50.0%	0.0%		0.00	6.72	3.60	3.95	0.0
15	Yariel Rodríguez	TOR	1	1	0	10	0	10.2	8.44	5.06	0.84	.267	95.9%	33.3%	8.3%	94.9	1.69	4.70	4.45	4.96	0.0
16	Tyler Heineman	TOR	0	0	0	1	0	1.1	0.00	0.00	6.75	.750	25.9%	35.3%	33.3%	52.2	67.50	20.28	12.89	6.61	-0.1
17	Max Scherzer	TOR	0	3	0	5	5	19.0	9.95	3.32	2.84	.443	60.1%	29.9%	18.8%	93.5	9.95	7.88	6.14	4.63	-0.1
18	José Berríos	TOR	0	0	0	4	3	13.1	6.08	4.73	2.70	.279	51.7%	59.6%	26.7%	93.2	6.75	7.92	7.26	5.10	-0.3
19	Jeff Hoffman	TOR	1	2	4	13	0	12.1	6.57	5.84	2.19	.200	100.0%	50.0%	17.6%	95.2	2.92	4.39	7.03	5.99	-0.4

Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday. 

The only way to pitch them twice is Gausman or Bieber pitch game 1 and on three days of rest for game 4.

Zero chance in my mind, especially since you won't have either available for game 1 of the LCS and given the concerns they have clearly shown for adequate rest between outings for both of them.

Why do that when you can roll out an effective bullpen game like you did against the Red Sox even if they don't want to start Bassitt?

Lauer has been one of our best pitchers. A bullpen game with him being a bulk reliever is a perfect way to use him.

 

[Spanky__99]

21 minutes ago, Masterbather said:

Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday. 

The only way to pitch them twice is Gausman or Bieber pitch game 1 and on three days of rest for game 4.

Zero chance in my mind, especially since you won't have either available for game 1 of the LCS and given the concerns they have clearly shown for adequate rest between outings for both of them.

Why do that when you can roll out an effective bullpen game like you did against the Red Sox even if they don't want to start Bassitt?

Lauer has been one of our best pitchers. A bullpen game with him being a bulk reliever is a perfect way to use him.

 

That's fine, I know he'd be on short rest but it's the post-season, it happens. I still want Gausman pitching game one with Bieber to follow, that was my point. I mentioned Varland/Lauer piggyback right above that post for the 4 spot. could be Bassitt or Gausman, lots of options?

[Masterbather]

1 hour ago, Spanky__99 said:

That's fine, I know he'd be on short rest but it's the post-season, it happens. I still want Gausman pitching game one with Bieber to follow, that was my point. I mentioned Varland/Lauer piggyback right above that post for the 4 spot. could be Bassitt or Gausman, lots of options?

While I don't think the Blue Jays will overthink themselves with games one and two, the only caveat I can see is do they really want to start Yesavage on the road at Yankees stadium or Fenway? They are already asking a lot of this kid, but for that to be his major league playoff debut in only his fourth big league game is really pushing it. Especially since it will either be an elimination game or the all-important swing game.

I wouldn't necessarily be shocked to see Trey get game two at home and then Bieber gets the first road game. It still gives you Gausman for a potential game 5 and Bieber to start the next series. 

Like you said there are options, but I just don't believe they'll do the three game rest thing especially since it's probably not really necessary.

[jaysblue]

Ross Atkins RN

[jaysblue]

Jays are going to win the DS in 3 games anyways, so Gausman and Bieber will have plenty of rest to start Game #1 and #2 of the ALCS. 

On a more serious note, you have to take the DS one game at a time. If Gausman is your Game #1 starter, I think you have to roll with Bieber in Game #2. What happens if the Jays lose Game #1 let's say? That Game #2 win is imperative and you need your best arm pitching. Can't save Bieber for a Game #3 in that scenario. Plus, getting a 2-0 lead would be huge if possible. 

 

[mphenhef]

14 hours ago, G-Snarls said:

Man 

The Sportsnet crew including Davidi are really making it sound unlikely that Bo is ready for the ALDS 

:(

Anyone who is surprised by this hasn't been paying attention or hasn't been a Jays fan for long.  They nearly always underreport the severity of injuries.

[Olerud363.354]

8 hours ago, Spanky__99 said:

Uhmm....Why is Gausman not starting game 1?

It might depend on whether they think Bieber or Gausman is easier for the other team to plan for.   Also might depend on what their analytics say about where Bieber is on his rehab and how his stuff is playing with more rest.  

Don't have a horse in the race here so not saying one or the other is the right choice, just that they probably have some nerds crunching a bunch of data.  If their data says Beiber with long rest is back to 2022 Bieber and there is a risk Gausman could tip his pitches could go with Beiber.  

[Brownie19]

9 hours ago, Jays24 said:

With that said, the Jays will probably value Gausman and his tenure as a Jay over a rental who could be gone at years end.  

I'd be absolutely shocked if this was considered at all.

[Stangstag]

14 hours ago, Jonn said:

Bo's got 6 days. Hopefully it's enough. Even if he has to DH we take that everyday.

Right. Does one really need to practice running? He’ll be there for his bat. He didn’t run the bases well previously anyways 

[Stangstag]

9 hours ago, Jays24 said:

I understand the margin is small but i like Bieber better than Gausman and prefer him to get 2 potential starts in a series.  Hes only had 1 bad start/inning as a Jay.  

With that said, the Jays will probably value Gausman and his tenure as a Jay over a rental who could be gone at years end.  

Smallllll sample siiiiiiize.

You go Gaus game 1

[Stangstag]

3 hours ago, jaysblue said:

Jays are going to win the DS in 3 games anyways, so Gausman and Bieber will have plenty of rest to start Game #1 and #2 of the ALCS. 

On a more serious note, you have to take the DS one game at a time. If Gausman is your Game #1 starter, I think you have to roll with Bieber in Game #2. What happens if the Jays lose Game #1 let's say? That Game #2 win is imperative and you need your best arm pitching. Can't save Bieber for a Game #3 in that scenario. Plus, getting a 2-0 lead would be huge if possible. 

 

2-0 lead against the Yankees with the ability to knock them out at home would be so sweet

[Brownie19]

2 minutes ago, Stangstag said:

2-0 lead against the Yankees with the ability to knock them out at home would be so sweet

It's 2 at home, 2 on the road and Game 5 at home I believe...

[mphenhef]

16 minutes ago, Brownie19 said:

I'd be absolutely shocked if this was considered at all.

Agreed, when they moved Berrios into the pen they showed they care more about winning than they do about the player's feelings.  And good, that's how you make it all the way.